PEF profiles worker later accused of pedophilia

Seeking to combat “a bad rap in the media, which has portrayed union members as overpaid, with too many benefits, and greedy,” the November issue of PEF’s Communicator magazine profiled Craig Walek, a DOT traffic engineer from Buffalo.

The Communicator is the union’s official outlet, and is controlled by new PEF President Susan Kent. The article noted her administration was “spotlighting PEF members who belie the media claims” and quoted Walek bashing the 2011 contract negotiated by Ken Brynien, Kent’s predecessor.

“I had to get a second job,” Walek, a Kent supporter, said.

“This PEF member is diligent about his job,” Kent is quoted as saying in the article. “He is the opposite of how the press portrays state workers, and is the real deal. Craig is just one example among the thousands of PEF members who are responsible and hardworking.”

PEF Spokeswoman Jane Briggs said the article was removed from PEF’s website after the charges were filed.

“We remain shocked and saddened by the news of the charges brought against Craig Walek,” Briggs said. “The health and safety of our children is always of the utmost importance to us. We reserve any further comment pending the outcome of the case.”